The radial scar in contrast-enhanced MR mammography.

Introduction: In patients with the mammographic findings of a radial scar, contrast enhanced (CE) MR mammography was evaluated in a retrospective study. Material and methods: In 24 women with radial opacities and blade star configurations, CE MR mammography was performed. Examinations were done on a 1.5T system using bilateral superficial coil (2D technique, T-1-weighted FLASH-sequence, T-R 336 ms, T-E 5 ms, FA 90). Findings in mammography and MR mammography were compared with the histological results. Results: 15 radial scars (including 4 with additional ADH) and 9 carcinomas (6 in coexistence with a radial scar) presenting with a diameter of 3 mm to 13 mm were evaluated. There was no evidence of malignancy in MRI in 12 of 15 radial scars. In MR mammography 6 of the carcinomas fulfilled the criteria for malignant tumors. There were 3 borderline cases (scored 3 points) corresponding histologically to 1 radial scar, and to 2 carcinomas. Within the results found in MRI there were 2 false positives and 1 false negative. Conclusion: CE MR mammography is superior to other imaging modalities in the differentiation between radial scars and carcinomas. However, lesions suggestive of radial scars have to be removed surgically.